The Acting Director of Education, Talauega Dr Samasoni Asaeli received lots of advice and questions from senators at his confirmation hearing yesterday.
Senator Satele Galu Satele said he was appalled with the response he got when he called Leone High school recently to report students hanging out at Le’ala Beach.
He said a female who answered told him, they’re only responsible for the students when they’re in class. What the students do when they leave campus is not their business.
Satele said the school should have sought out the students and identify them.
He said educators should not be concerned with just teaching educational subjects but also the welfare of students that all times.
During the hearing, senators advised Talauega to keep school campuses clean. They observed that uncut grass reaches the windows of classrooms in some schools.
According to Senator Satele Lili’o, enrollment of chools in outlying villages are dwindling because parents are taking their students to schools in town thinking they’re better.
He urged that the acting director pay attention to these village schools.
Senator Magalei Logovii asked about the spending of more than $100 million awarded under the CARES Act and said this funding should be used to procure what the department needs to improve our children’s education.
He said Pavaiai Elementary is still short of tables and chairs.
Senator Fonoti Tafa’ifa urged that the cabinet nominee heed the motto of, “Samoa God first.” She said above all things he should serve with love, be honest and not be afraid.
